Should I be worried about Invasive worm species among compose worms and Night crawlers? - Ask Extension
I am wanting to purchase compose worms and night crawlers to help my vegetable garden soil. I have read about an invasive species of worm and wonder ...
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Should I be worried about Invasive worm species among compose worms and Night crawlers? #927321
Asked April 02, 2026, 12:18 AM EDT
I am wanting to purchase compose worms and night crawlers to help my vegetable garden soil. I have read about an invasive species of worm and wonder if that invasive worm is currently in Oregon soil. I have never tried to purchase compost worms. I found an Oregon company for compost worms but night crawlers I might order from a company out of state. What would you advise?
Yamhill County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi CJ,
It is far better to create the habitat in your garden to support your local earthworm population rather than purchasing worms from elsewhere which might not be native here. Washington State Extension has a brief paper on "Earthworms in the Garden", which will help you decide on those worm friendly conditions.
As for worm bin worms, aka "red wrigglers", since they are contained in the container, you can certainly purchase them from the source which you found. Here's a publication from OSU Extension, "Composting with Worms", to get you started on a successful journey of vermicomposting.
Oregon State Extension news release about the invasive jumping worms, gives you more information about this invasive worm.
It is far better to create the habitat in your garden to support your local earthworm population rather than purchasing worms from elsewhere which might not be native here. Washington State Extension has a brief paper on "Earthworms in the Garden", which will help you decide on those worm friendly conditions.
As for worm bin worms, aka "red wrigglers", since they are contained in the container, you can certainly purchase them from the source which you found. Here's a publication from OSU Extension, "Composting with Worms", to get you started on a successful journey of vermicomposting.
Oregon State Extension news release about the invasive jumping worms, gives you more information about this invasive worm.
